Battlefield 4 Platoons Going Into Early Access

When Battlefield 4 launched, many of series fans wondered why EA and DICE had done away with the series multiplayer “platoon” feature. Platoons were popular in Battlefield 3, as they allowed players to group up before joining a match, helping to keep parties together.

After quashing the idea that they would make a return for the sequel, DICE has some good news for fans. Platoons are coming back, and early access applications are open. In order to be considered for the trial group, you need to respond in this thread with your Battlelog/Origin name. If you have a pre-existing platoon, your chances for being selected will be improved.

Battlefield 4 currently uses Battlelog for friend management. Based on the Battlefield 3 implementation, platoons will give players the opportunity for greater social interaction, chat and messaging, and scheduling. Additional platoon details are coming soon.

Our TakeThe absence of platoons in Battlefield 4 was a curious omission. I’m taking it as a good sign that DICE is acquiescing to fans and implementing this feature.

In the forum thread in which this was announced, another oft-requested feature surfaced (despite DICE's indication that it won't happen). Players want to be able to squad up before a match starts. The current system is imperfect and can lead to being stranded on the opposing team or in a different squad. Here’s hoping EA and DICE continue to listen and respond.

I'm sorry, but this is just another EA/dice bull. They want us to cheer and thank them for adding a simple feature that should have been added in the first place. A party system is literally the most basic mp function. >..>

Confused as to why they took it out in the first place. Better late than never I suppose. You should never take out party options in MP games, a lot of people would like to play with friends for these types of games.

It's ridiculous that they didn't include this originally. More than likely though it was cut out just so they could make the deadline. Something I'm curious though is how I'm able to join a friends game and not be able to have my weapons progress..

All of my coworkers who jumped at the launch consoles just for BF4 have been completely pissed that it was nearly impossible to join eachothers' games. I also believe they didn't work on this basic feature in order to have a (borderline) playable game in time for Xmas. Baby steps. I can't believe that they had doubled down on NOT implementing this originally

You can't be stranded in a different squad then your friends, unless they secretly don't want to play with you. You always have the option of creating a new squad, and setting it to private and inviting your friends to join it.
Being stuck on the opposite team can happen though. But that's not all bad. Sometimes I like killing my buds.